Ward 5 residents do not have to look far for a good high school that prepares students for a top-ranking university. If a child shows interest in technology, mathematics, and science, attending newly-renovated McKinley Tech High School is a good option.

Like all four specialized high schools in the nation’s capitol, McKinley Tech has an individual niche: science, math, and technology. And the school itself has history. According to the current principal, McKinley originally opened in 1901 and relocated to its current address at 151 T Street NE in 1929.

Due to low enrollment and student problems, the school was closed in 1997 and subsequently underwent a major renovation.

The school reopened in 2004, equipped with more than $75 million worth of lab equipment, motion capture studio, computers, laptops, digital video systems, cameras, and security systems.

According to students, they recently finished designing their personal virtual video game. This is one of the ways the school encourages innovating and engaged learning.

Since its renovations four years ago, McKinley Tech was proud to announce its graduation rate was 95% for the first graduating class in 2007. In that year, ninety-nine percent of the graduating class went to a university or a college, said Principal David Pinder.

This high school improved its AYP scores every year by a significant percentage. In 2004, 42% passed the math expectations for their grade level and 46% in reading. In 2007, McKinley took almost a double jump to a 64% passing in math and 72% in reading.

The school’s principal speaks highly of Chancellor Michelle Rhee’s ideas and supports her education reform plan.

“I have never met a superintendent like her who responds to emails in a matter of minutes. I think her leadership is excellent for the DC Public Schools,” said Pinder. “She gives principals autonomy.”

This year’s enrollment at McKinley is approximately 900 students, with a gender ratio of 63% girls and 37% boys. “Generally, science and math schools tend to have more males, but our school seems to attract more young women,” added Pinder.

Unlike regular DC public high schools, the four specialized public high schools have an admission process as rigorous as a university. Consideration for admittance to McKinley Tech is based on the student’s application, science project, personal statement, DC CAS Scores, a personal interview, and recommendations.

“Our mission is to become the highest performing school in the country,” said Pinder.

Students at McKinley take a variety of AP courses including physics, history, US history, computer science, and foreign language.

Adhering to the No Child Left Behind Act, 75% of teachers are certified and the rest are becoming certified.

“At McKinley Tech, school experts have a close relationship with the students,” said Adam Smithers, geometry teacher. “It seems like the school is going in the right direction.”

Breanne Williams, 17, a junior at McKinley Tech said the school offers many course choices, something she did not find in the regular public schools. Williams travels from Southeast to come to school everyday. She is pursuing a Biotechnology Major with the hope of getting into a well-known university.

This summer, Mayor Adrian Fenty and Chancellor Michelle Rhee named McKinley Tech one of 13 DC public schools selected to transform into a theme-based Catalyst School. Catalyst Schools adopt one of three themes for their curriculum: STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), Arts Integration, or World Cultures.

Catalyst Schools are required to use their theme as the basis for a rigorous instructional program intended to inspire and motivate students through active learning.

In a July press release, Mayor Fenty said, “The purpose of the DC Catalyst project is to provide compelling options for students and families at their neighborhood schools, so that in every Ward quality and choice becomes a reality.”

“McKinley Tech has always been a great source of pride for Ward 5. We want to build on its rich history by increasing rigor and enhancing the specialized curricula,” said Chancellor Rhee. “McKinley will be one of 13 catalyst schools receiving additional resources designed to engage students, foster master teachers and integrate the entire school community. Principal Pinder is a strong leader and we are committed to supporting him as he continues to set high standards and ensure that our students are prepared to compete in the global market.”

The school looks forward to an increase in enrollment each year to allow more DC youth to attain the skills in order to compete in this fast passed technological savvy global economy.